RESIDENTS have expressed shock as people continue to gather closely despite the government's social distancing advice to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Nigel Tuvans from Roedean was surprised to see people "in close proximity" to one another at a car boot sale in Brighton Marina top car park this morning.

He said: "I was walking on the cliff top when I saw what was going on at the Marina and thought I would go and take a photograph from a safe distance.

"I was quite shocked really, as everyone was in close proximity to each other.

"Car boot sales are't exactly essential.

"It's not really necessary to be selling your old junk for a few quid, especially when they've closed pubs and everything else."

Bryan Scanlon, of New Church Road in Hove, said he was surprised to see people sitting closely to each other outside the Big Beach Cafe at Hove Lagoon yesterday.

The 64-year-old said: "The whole point of being distant from other people is that you don't provide seating for people to sit and gather.

"Cafes in my street in Hove which normally have outdoor seating have taken them away.

"As a community it annoys me that we seem to think we're immune to this."

Today, DJ Fatboy Slim who owns the cafe and takeaway, said he has made the decision to close completely.

Yesterday Devil's Dyke received visitors in "record numbers" according to the National Trust, and it was reported there were so many visitors at Stanmer Park that many received parking tickets for parking on the grass verges.

One walker said: "Traffic wardens came down and ticketed every car, which is technically right, but does seem a bit harsh.

"I think there were about 50 cars with tickets.

"There were young families, people walking their dogs and older people too, looking for somewhere safe to keep apart but still get fresh air, exercise and some sun.

"They were keeping their distance though. Stanmer Park was not overly-crowded."